The Bundaberg Region’s premier seafood event Oceanfest 2019 was celebrated by more than 10,000 people today.
Organisers described it as a perfect mix of ingredients for the community event and it was easy to see with a relaxed atmosphere, music, local seafood and entertainment and stunning weather.
Oceanfest 2019 event coordinator Gary Kirk said each year the seaside event had drawn in more people and it was pleasing to see it continue for the third year.
“It’s very, very successful, as expected,” Mr Kirk said.
“When you have a quality, family-orientated community event you have good ingredients in a recipe for it to turn out perfect.
“This event started in 2017 and this is the biggest turn-out so far, we had a target of 10,000 and we will easily achieve that today.
“We have already had great feedback and the day's not over yet.”
Planning for the seaside event takes a year to ensure that it includes some of the region’s most popular food, produce and entertainment, and that everything goes off without a hitch.
“We have 143 community organisations and businesses involved here today,” Mr Kirk said.
“The focus and awareness we look to have is a community event because we need to get organisations to make sure they know how to spread what they do, and how they can benefit others within the community as Bundaberg has a great sense of community.
“We focus on promoting Bundaberg – everything here, from entertainment to the food – it all has a Bundaberg connection in some form.”
Educational focus on the reef at Oceanfest 2019
Mayor Jack Dempsey said The Reef Room was a highlight of Oceanfest, which combined multiple organisations to promote the Bundaberg Region as the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef.
“I met with Kalkie State School students in the Reef Room; that is new to this year’s festival and offers educational information and presentations from prominent marine scientists,” Mayor Dempsey said.
“This unique event celebrates fresh local seafood and the marine environment around us.
“It’s great to see everybody out in the sunshine and having fun, while enjoying some of Bundaberg’s best seafood.”
- Earlier: Breeze into Oceanfest on Saturday for a seafood sensation
